Teen Burglar Rescued From Chimney Of North Hills Home

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NORTH HILLS (CBSLA.com) — A teenage burglary suspect Monday proved to be an unsuccessful Santa when he became stuck in the chimney of a San Fernando Valley home.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to a residence in the 9000 block of Orion Avenue in North Hills around 10 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find a 16-year-old boy stuck 10 feet down the chimney with his hands above his head, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Crews used a special USAR rope system and an aerial truck ladder to safely remove the boy, who was given oxygen during the rescue.

The teen, who suffered minor abrasions, was rescued at 10:34 a.m.

Officials say the suspect was a friend of the homeowner’s grandson.

“I can’t believe it. I just can’t fathom that he would do something like this,” Pat Hawkins said.

“This one here wasn’t playing with a full deck of cards. A lot of people think they can get down chimneys. Chimney’s are not accessible for a human body, even a 16-year-old boy,” Lt. Paul Vernon said. “They’re made for smoke to come out.”

The teen was transported to a local hospital for treatment and will eventually be arrested and booked for burglary.